Moore rejects plea offer in Norwich murder case

A 23-year-old Norwich man accused of fatally shooting Namdi Smart in Norwich on Aug. 26, 2010, has rejected the state's offer to plead guilty to murder in exchange for a 30-year prison sentence.

Darnell X. Moore's attorney, Norman A. Pattis, notified the court of Moore's decision to take his case to trial during Moore's appearance this morning in New London Superior Court. Judge Patrick J. Clifford added the case to the trial list and continued it to May 15.

Moore, also known as Boo-Boo, is being held in lieu of $1.8 million bond at the Northern Correctional Institution. He is accused of returning with a gun and shooting Smart, 31, at close range after Smart stood up to him earlier in the night. Smart died of a single gunshot wound to the head.